CHAPTER 5: YOUNG AGAIN

From the nursery, they went to the knowledge pods of the village. As they approached it, Teddy can see a humongous tree with hammock-like structures hanging from it. Those are the "pods" where older children sit on, as they listen to their instructor who teaches about agriculture and element control.

"Wow, how can you make this magnificent venue without having any technology of our sort?" Teddy was in awe as he examined the fabrication of the pods up close.

He ran his finger towards one pod and realized that each was made from colorful river stones that shine when it hits the light. He was amazed by the complexity of the handiwork.

"Each pod was made by the water stewards. They collected these stones at the deepest part of our river, where only their villagers know. It is what we call "uru-batui" which symbolizes the color of the elements. Green, Blue, Red and Brown," Antigone proudly explained.

"These uru-batui stones were glued together and shaped like pods in order to give our children a comfortable seat as they learn," she added.

"I can sit in this pod all day long," he remarked as he smiled from student to student.

They both watched for the class to end at the side of the tree. Afterwards, they continued to roam around the villages and searched for different spots.

After a while of walking, they both reached the edge of the cliff, Antigone's fave spot.

They sat for a while as they waited for the sun to set.

"Teddy, what color is the sunset in your realm?" asked Antigone as she threw pebbles to the forest underneath.

"Hmmm. There are different shades. There are times that it looks like a field of marigold and lilac- orange and violet hues. There are also times that it looks like the soft pink hue of a rose, or the magnificent yellow of gold," he stated. He scooted closer to Antigone and continued, "but the most wonderful version is this- it looks like the deep void, insurmountable and ineffable. It is colored like your pretty eyes, my lady." He said as he took her hand and kissed it gently.

Antigone's heart was beating so fast that she quickly pulled her hand back and ran back to where they came from.

"My lady! Wait, I do not mean to startle you," Teddy said as he followed the steps of Antigone.

Antigone continued to run and locked herself up in her room.